Rotorua Lakes Council's 2017/18 Annual Plan invests in the community, supports growth and progress and maintains financial sustainability.
Council consulted on key proposals following a series of workshops and we got great feedback, receiving nearly 300 submissions with 30 of those submitters sharing their views in person during annual plan hearings.
Input from the rural and lakes community boards and Te Tatau o Te Arawa also provided invaluable perspectives to help Council in its decision-making,
We listened to what the community said and we made some significant changes to what was originally proposed – that was a direct result of your feedback.
We now have a robust plan. It is an investment in the future that continues the direction we set in the current Long-term Plan and I believe we've got the balance right.
Together we can, and do, make a difference for our district, now and for the future.
Ma te mahi tahi, ma ten oho tahi, ma teheare tahi
Ka tutuki nga whakakitenga, ka puawai nga moemoea
Ka tutuki te korere
Tatau tatau – We together
-Mayor Steve Chadwick
View the Annual Plan 2017/18 online
Click on the image to the right to view the plan in your web browser. Alternatively, you can also download a pdf version of the 2017/18 Annual Plan for those unable to view this link.
Changes resulting from community feedback:
- East Rotoiti/Rotoma ratepayers will not start contributing to the cost of their sewerage scheme until it has been commissioned. Construction will begin in 2017/18 and Council to work with Rotoehu residents on potential to connect to the scheme, subject to securing the funding required.
- No extension of waste services in 2017/18 to rural communities currently unable to receive council-provided services. There will be more consultation with these communities to develop options.
- Earthquake strengthening and upgrade of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre will be put on hold to enable more consultation with stakeholders.
- No museum targeted rate. Proposed per property $14.20 instead added to general rate via Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC), which funds certain types of activities including library, Aquatic Centre, animal control, emergency management.
- Increased funding for rural seal extension for 2017/18 and accelerated seal extension programme and targeted funding options to be considered.
- Status quo retained to fund waste services (80% from targeted rate, 20% from general) but opt out for kerbside collection removed to ensure access for all.
Big moves for 2017/18:
- Continue development of district spatial plan to establish areas for, and intensity of, future development.
- Investigate potential to establish, with local partners, a community housing provider to address social housing needs.
- Investigate potential establishment of a development company to focus on unlocking land for development to support district growth.
- Ongoing work with New Zealand Transport Agency to develop long-term solutions for roading corridors.
- Improving Long Mile Road and Waipa entrances to our forests.
- Development of a plan for lakefront revitalisation and Sanatorium Reserve restoration.
- Investment case and partnership options to upgrade the Aquatic Centre.
Key projects that contribute to vision 2030:
- Complete Library and Child Health Hub and development of Jean Batten park.
- Complete Manawa refresh to modernise and revitalise heart of the city.
- Work with stakeholders on proposed upgrade of Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts.
- Work with rural and lakes community boards to prioritise funding set aside for roading ($255,000) and open spaces and recreational areas ($265,000) in these communities.
- Improve northern and eastern entrances to Rotorua city.
- Improve rugby, hockey and soccer facilities and complete netball facility upgrade.